MA International Relations
- Entry year:
- 2025/26
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 1 year
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
About this course
LJMU's innovative MA International Relations provides a grounding in key theories while examining in depth issues of enduring international significance
The world in the 21st century continues to be defined by long-standing and emerging global challenges. While state-based and civil conflicts are resurging after decades of relative decline, new non-traditional threats are emerging in the form of health pandemics, climate change, terrorism, and the potential disruptive impact of artificial intelligence.
This MA in International Relations equips students with theoretical frameworks and methodological tools needed to understand, analyse, and address these evolving challenges that define our world. Across a range of core and optional modules, students will be introduced to key theoretical perspectives within International Relations discipline, alongside the associated fields of conflict and security studies, and will be given the opportunity to apply these across a range of thematic areas and regional case studies. Students will also undertake an independent research project on a topic of their choice, enabling them to build essential research and analytical skills.
In addition to classroom learning, students have the opportunity to engage in applied learning experiences. Each year, the programme includes a trip to Derry/Londonderry in Northern Ireland, where students gain first-hand insights from practitioners and community groups on the legacy of conflict in the city and ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation. Students can also attend the Department of International Relations and Politics’ speaker series, which features established scholars discussing current issues in the field.
Teaching is delivered by research-active experts in the field and across a range of disciplines. Graduates leave with essential skills for careers in conflict resolution, global security, and international relations, and many have gone on to work with prominent organisations such as the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, National Crime Agency and the Home Office.
Dr. Matthew Hill discusses International Relations MA at LJMU
Alexander Green, alumni and current Consular Casework Manager for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
"Studying on the MA International Relations course has been a rewarding and beneficial experience that has aided me in identifying the next steps that I would like to take in my career path, such as an international organisation such as the UN or the EU.
The course has included a variety of interesting and thought-provoking modules such as understanding the cycles between war and peace, the types of international law and how they can and can't be applied, and research methods that has improved my knowledge and essay-writing with new techniques and ways to accumulate and produce data. The course was diverse with students from different backgrounds, different ages and different universities, with lecturers that had extensive knowledge in their topics. I would recommend this course to anyone who is considering a career in either International Relations or Politics."
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Optional modules
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Study hours
Full-time students spend around seven hours a week in on-campus sessions and part-time students three to four hours. The Practitioner Workshops and the Perspectives in IR series take place four times each semester and add an extra 30 minutes a week to the on-campus study time.
Teaching methods
Teaching will be delivered as a combination of class discussions, lectures and workshops with core academic staff and invited practitioners, experts and guest lecturers. The aim is to give you as much insight into the world of International Relations as possible and this is best achieved through a mix of academic discussion and real world experiences.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
The aim in all the assessments is to test your understanding of International Relations. Assessments on this course are a mixture of essays, presentations, exams and portfolios.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Based within the John Foster Building on the Mount Pleasant Campus the School of Humanities and Social Science has many outstanding facilities, including well-equipped IT Suites, a light-filled Student Common Room and dedicated postgraduate study areas. At the back of the John Foster Building is the Aldham Robarts Library, which gives access to an exceptional range of materials to support the study of humanities and social science.
Course tutors
Dr Peter O'Reilly
- Programme Leader
I have taught widely across the School on modules related but not limited to: security, the sociology and politics of sports, international organizations, IR theory, sociological theory and identity, qualitative methods and international fieldwork, and global issues.
I have taught widely across the School on modules related but not limited to: security, the sociology and politics of sports, international organizations, IR theory, sociological theory and identity, qualitative methods and international fieldwork, and global issues.
Peter O’Reilly in a Lecturer in International Relations and Politics and currently Programme Leader for the MA in International Relations. He completed his PhD at the University of York in 2019 on integrative and disintegrative dynamics in the East African Community (EAC) and his research continues to examine themes around regionalism and the politics of trade across Africa. He has taught widely on topics including Africa and World Politics, Global Development and Conflict and Peace in Africa.
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Reader -
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Lecturer/Senior Lecturer
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Typically students who study the MA will be progressing from their first degree in history, politics or a related-subject.
This programme has been designed to enhance your career prospects in international relations-related fields including government and non-government sectors. It exposes you to the careers available and enables you to network with people in the field.
For students wishing to pursue an academic career or for further study in the field of international relations, this MA will provide a solid basis when applying for a MPhil/PhD.
Tuition fees and funding
- Home full-time per year:
- £8,390
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
Financial Support
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
A pre-written personal statement (minimum 500 words) can be copied and pasted into your application in the appropriate section of the online form. Your personal statement should include information on why you are interested in the subject of International Relations, why you are interested in the International Relations programme at Liverpool John Moores University, and how your previous knowledge and experiences would contribute to you being successful on the programme.
Your university life
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The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.